He tells iHeartRadio, "It started at such a small place. Every night when I go out there, I don't take that for granted. I remember when there were 20 people in a place... those 20 people were screaming like there were 10,000 there and they were singing. When I look out there now, the coolest thing for me is to be able to see those 20 people still in that crowd, and there are 10,000. That will get you goin' as an artist and as a performer."

He adds, "For me it's a release... that's my time. Just like it's the fans' time. They're there to cut loose, so am I. We do it together."

Bobby Bones will host the inaugural iHeartRadio Country Festival, and fans will have the opportunity to win tickets on Clear Channel stations across the country starting Monday, January 13th. The festival will also be broadcast live on Clear Channel country stations. Tickets go on sale to the general public on January 18, at 12 p.m. EST.